Israel “extends its condolences to the victims and families” of the mass shooting in Toronto. “It was a truly grotesque and barbaric act of violence.”
By: United with Israel and AP
Israel conveyed its condolences to Canada after a man fired a handgun into restaurants and cafes in a lively Toronto neighborhood on Sunday night, killing a 10-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman and wounding 13 others.
Israel’s Ambassador to Canada Nimrod Barkan stated the next day that the Consulate General of Israel “extends its condolences to the victims and families affected by last night’s mass shooting on Danforth Avenue, Toronto.”
“It was a truly grotesque and barbaric act of violence. We commend police and emergency services for a swift and thorough response,” he added.
Police identified the shooter as Faisal Hussain, 29. He was was also shot dead, but it’s unclear whether it was from his own gun or a bullet from police
A video taken by a witness showed a man dressed all in black walking quickly down a sidewalk and firing three shots into at least one shop or restaurant in Greektown, a residential area of million-dollar homes that is crowded with restaurants and cafes.
The slain 18-year-old was identified as Reese Fallon, a recent high school graduate who volunteered for Canada’s Liberal party and was due to attend McMaster University in the fall.
The child’s identity was not released, as per the family’s request.
The 13 wounded ranged in age from 10 to 59 and suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor. Officials did not name any of the wounded, who included six women and girls and seven men.
Islamic Terrorism Investigated
Police Chief Mark Saunders said he would not speculate on a motive but has not ruled out terrorism.
“We do not know why this has happened yet,” he said. “It’s going to take some time.”
Born in Canada, Hussain came from a Pakistani family.
His family claims he had severe mental health challenges and has been struggling with psychosis and depression throughout his life.
“The interventions of professionals were unsuccessful. Medications and therapy were unable to treat him. While we did our best to seek help for him throughout his life of struggle and pain, we could never imagine that this would be his devastating and destructive end,” the family said.
“Our hearts are in pieces for the victims and for our city as we all come to grips with this terrible tragedy. We will mourn those who were lost for the rest of our lives,” they added.
Raheel Raza, a Pakistani-Canadian activist for interfaith dialogue and a fighter against Radical Islam, tweeted on Monday: “Faisal Hussain identified as shooter at Danforth, Toronto. His fmly gives pathetic apologetic note claiming he has mental illness. Show me one Islamist/Jihadist who is mentally sound!!??”
“Hussain apparently had been spoken to by authorities about his online activities. Sources say Toronto Police, the OPP and the RCMP have all had an interest in the now-deceased shooter,” the Toronto Sun reported, adding that some friends said the assailant would show interest in discussions on Islam when in large crowds.
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